Barcelona will begin their Champions League campaign against Newcastle United this week without their teenage star, Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old missed the 6-0 La Liga win against Valencia and was not seen in full training with the team on Tuesday. Instead, Yamal stayed in the gym for individual recovery work, and his name is not expected on Hansi Flick’s squad list for the trip to St. James’ Park. Spanish media outlet Marca already confirmed his absence, calling it a major blow for Barça.
The story goes beyond a simple injury. Yamal returned from international duty with Spain carrying groin and lower back discomfort. According to reports, doctors from the Spanish national team gave him injections so he could play in World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Bulgaria.
“They gave him painkillers to play. He went with the national team in pain and did not train,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, via Goal.com “They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn’t train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this.”
Barca furious at Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal
The treatment has sparked frustration in Barcelona. The club expected Spain to manage his minutes carefully, but Yamal played heavy minutes despite being in pain. Reports from Cadena SER said the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) admitted using Voltaren injections because “he couldn’t leave the hotel and asked us not to play.”
Barcelona believes Spain ignored medical warnings. Flick openly criticized Spain’s approach, while sporting director Deco supported his manager.
“In Lamine’s case, I agree with what [Flick] said,” Deco explained. “We have to improve communication and protocols between clubs and national teams. Players are subject to excessive workloads. Lamine is important for us and for Spain, so we all have to be more careful.”
The RFEF, however, has denied any wrongdoing. Officials insisted their medical team followed normal procedures. They highlighted that the same physiotherapist treating Lamine Yamal with Spain also works with him at Barcelona. In their words,
“players who feel discomfort leave camp and clubs are contacted when necessary.”
They also noted that Yamal himself gave a “positive response” when asked about his fitness before facing Turkey.
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Tensions between Club and Country
Despite Spain’s explanation, the episode has created visible tension. Barcelona is angry because Yamal’s condition worsened, forcing him out of the Valencia match and now the Champions League opener. Flick has not hidden his feelings, saying,
“This is not about one player, it is about protecting the health of all young players. We must learn from this.”
The Spanish Federation also tried to calm speculation, explaining that Yamal’s frustration after being substituted in one of the qualifiers was “a normal reaction” for a young player who wanted to stay on the pitch.
Still, the conflict shows no sign of cooling. It has raised questions about how much control clubs should have over their players’ workloads during international breaks.
Flick’s frustration With Yamal
The situation also adds to growing tension between Flick and Yamal himself. The German coach wants to protect young talents but is also demanding discipline. “Talent is not enough. You must show professionalism every moment,” Flick told the press.
He was particularly upset after learning that Yamal had taken part in a commercial shoot during his recovery period. Flick considered the decision “irresponsible” and felt it sent the wrong message to teammates. According to reports, the coach spoke directly with Yamal and warned him that such behavior cannot happen again.
“When a player is injured, the only goal must be to return as soon as possible,” Flick said.
People close to Yamal argued the commercial had been scheduled for weeks, but Flick was not convinced. For him, recovery and professionalism must always come first.
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How Barcelona is coping without Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s attack looked sharp in Lamine Yamal’s absence against Valencia. Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji started on the wings, both scoring as Barça cruised to a 6-0 win. The performance gave Flick confidence, but Newcastle will provide a much tougher test in the Champions League.
Alongside Yamal, Barça will also be without midfielder Gavi, who is recovering from a meniscus injury, and left-back Alejandro Balde, who is out with a hamstring issue. Frenkie de Jong, though, has returned to training and is expected to travel with the team.
For Flick, missing Yamal is a significant setback. The young winger had started the season strongly, registering two goals and two assists in his first three La Liga games. He also provided three assists in Spain’s two qualifiers. His creativity and pace have already made him one of the most important players in the squad despite his young age.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s schedule is demanding. After Newcastle, they face Getafe at home in La Liga, followed by a trip to newly promoted Real Oviedo. Managing the squad’s fitness will be a key task for Flick as injuries pile up.
The club’s medical staff will continue to monitor Yamal closely. His recovery will determine whether he can return for upcoming games or needs a longer break. For now, the Champions League opener comes too soon.
Deco’s words summed up Barcelona’s view:
“We have to try to improve. We agree with the mister. Yamal is an important player for us and Spain, and we all must be more careful.”
Barcelona without Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s Champions League campaign begins under a cloud of controversy. Lamine Yamal’s absence is both a sporting loss and a symbol of deeper tensions between the club and Spain’s national team. Flick is determined to protect his players, but he also demands responsibility and maturity.
For Yamal, the episode could be a turning point. His talent is undeniable, but Flick has reminded him—and everyone watching—that professionalism and discipline are just as important. The young star will need time to recover physically and prove he has learned from this experience.
Barcelona, meanwhile, must adapt quickly as they face Newcastle without one of their brightest young talents.
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